The win allowed the Redskins (1-1) to steady themselves after a rocky season opener heading into back-to-back games against 2016 playoff teams, a Sunday night game against the Oakland Raiders and an October 2 visit to Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, a Monday night game.

The Rams were seeking their first 2-0 start since 2001.

The game matched McVay against the team that employed him from 2010-16, including as offensive coordinator from 2014-16. Brady finished 30 of 39 for 447 yards to help the reigning Super Bowl champions beat the New Orleans Saints 36-20.

And it's because of that frustration that we find ourselves handing out mostly average to below average marks for the Rams following a performance that wasn't awful, but could've been a whole lot better. As left tackle Trent Williams explained afterward, Gruden had asked his linemen what they felt he should feature against the Rams, whose defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a 46-9 trouncing of Indianapolis in Week 1. He does not have speed, so he can not usually run, but it is still hard to watch him in the pocket. "That's a great [Rams defensive] front that likes to get after the passer, so rushing the ball is one way to slow 'em down". It only got worse from there, with high-profile target Sammy Watkins only catching two passes, one going for only two yards. "We didn't do our job today".

The 'Skins rushed for 229 yards collectively, with Rob Kelley leading the way with 78 yards.

Sunday was the 12th time the Redskins have won as true underdogs under Gruden and Cousins, two more than any other team in the National Football League in that span.

Thompson got the Redskins their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter when he capped off a 6-play, 65-yard scoring drive, scampering seven yards for the score.

The Rams saw the departure of tight end Gerald Everett (thigh injury) in the third quarter.

The Rams announced the paid attendance at 56,612, the least in their nine regular-season games in their second tenure at the Coliseum. He took care of the ball and was able to drive the team down the field and throw a touchdown to Ryan Grant.

Washington'soffensive line also dominated in the first half, when the team totaled 167 rushing yards. The last one, a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to receiver Jamison Crowder, gave Washington a 27-20 lead. Zuerlein cut the deficit to 13-10 with a 32-yard field goal on the Rams next possession.

To that point, the half-full 93,607-seat Coliseum hadn't made much of a ruckus.